December, 2002
Contact: Holly Brooker
(845) 255-1450 xt.1301

The Ulster BOCES Academic Summer School program responded to requests from local school administrators by developing an Intensive Physics Review course, something not usually available.

Summer school coordinator, Beth Davies, explained that a change in the Regent’s rubric for physics this past spring made it much more difficult for students to achieve high scores. The low performance was a statewide issue.

“The new physics test requires more practical application of the concepts of physics…and does not allow students to omit areas of physics through optional questions as the earlier examination did,” said James A. Kadamus, deputy commissioner of the Office of Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Continuing Education (EMSC).

As a result, the State decided to offer students the chance to retake the exam in August. Ulster BOCES identified a master teacher to teach the Intensive Physics Review course and opened it up countywide to students who were interested in improving their scores. Summer school teacher William Frandino taught six review sessions to these students.

“Ulster BOCES Academic Summer School reached out to the school community and offered a resource to students taking the Physics Regents exam,’’ said Davies. She added that all students who participated in the review course passed this August’s Physics Regents with commendable scores.

“The way that Ulster BOCES responded to the Regents situation is just another example of how we are working with local schools to meet the needs of Ulster County students,” said Davies. ”